Workshop Session A: 9:20 – 10:20 AM
Workshop 1. Supporting Students and Community During Times of Rising Hate Crimes An FBI report finds one in 10 hate crimes occur at schools, with crimes up from 500 in 2020 to over 1,300 in 2022. Now more than ever it is important to know the scope of language and behaviors which encompass bias and prejudice and also what constitutes a crime. Help foster tolerance and community in your school with this workshop. Presenter: Alisty Joy Keneth, AJK Diversified, Hicksville, NY
Workshop 2. FAFSA Simplification—What’s New for the 24-25 FAFSA The FAFSA Simplification Act of 2021, effective for the 2024-2025 academic year, represents sweeping changes to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid by making many changes to the methodologies and processes that determine aid eligibility. These modifications have caused problems and created delays that have been documented in many news reports. This workshop will introduce you to the changes in the application and highlight what students, families and educators can expect when completing it. Presenter: Julie Van Nostrand, MS, LMFT, CASAC, Financial Aid Counselor Suffolk County Community College
Workshop 3. Letters of Recommendation: How to Write Just Right This presentation delves into the art of composing compelling and effective letters of recommendation for high school students by counselors. As vital components of college and scholarship applications, these letters play a pivotal role in shaping the perception of a student’s character, achievements, and potential. The session will explore key strategies for personalizing recommendations, emphasizing unique strengths, and addressing potential challenges. Presenters: Suzanne Miller, Assistant Director of Admissions, SUNY Geneseo, and Kate Anderson, Associate Director of Admissions, SUNY Oswego
Workshop 4. Human Trafficking Youth Prevention Education The main objectives of the Brentwood Human Trafficking Youth Prevention Education (HTYPE) Programs are the following: increase faculty and staff awareness of human trafficking; provide students with tailored skill- based and age-appropriate education to promote protective behaviors against recruitment practices of traffickers/perpetrators; develop and complete a Human Trafficking School Safety Protocol (HTSSP) for educators and other staff to identify youth with high-risk profiles for trafficking and provide defined procedures to address the needs of current victims; and overall, decrease victimization within the school district and the Brentwood community by shining a light on human trafficking and subsequently creating a safer environment to the students and staff. There are many misconceptions on what human trafficking is, and the HTYPE program is bringing education on what human trafficking is, as education is key to prevention. Presenters: Wendy Guderman and Sarah Tricoche, School Counselors, Brentwood School District
Workshop Session B: 10:30 – 11:30 AM
Workshop 5. What’s Out There? Resources for Student Success in Higher Education
Learn about the various types of student success programs that are currently being offered in the ever- changing landscape of higher education. The conversation will be tailored to expose workshop attendees to the array of initiatives that are available for traditionally underrepresented (i.e. first-generation college, economically disadvantaged, students with disabilities) populations at colleges in New York and beyond. Attendees will also be introduced to practical tools and ideas that can be implemented in various student support settings. Presenter: Bryan Garcia, Inaugural ACE Director and Senior Director of Support Programs, Farmingdale State College
Workshop 6. College Admissions Trends This session will be a timely discussion to highlight information about what is happening on the other side of the college admissions desk. Hear from current directors at local universities to learn about current challenges, like the 2024-2025 FAFSA, and opportunities, programs, and initiatives to inform school counselors from diverse settings as they navigate conversations and action planning for college bound students. Presenters: Melissa Bellantonio, Director of Undergraduate Admissions, Adelphi University Anna Ragno, Director of First-Year Admission, St. Joseph’s University (NY)
Workshop 7. Work-Life Integration – Does Balance Really Exist for Counselors in This Modern World
In the fast-paced and dynamic landscape of the modern world, the concept of work-life balance has become increasingly elusive, especially for professionals in demanding fields such as counseling. This presentation delves into the evolving paradigm of work-life integration and explores whether achieving a true balance is feasible for counselors. Counselors often grapple with the challenges of managing the emotional demands of their profession while maintaining personal well-being. The session will examine the evolving nature of work and personal life, shedding light on the unique stresses faced by counselors in the context of their profession. It will explore how the traditional balance between work and personal life may not be entirely applicable in today's interconnected and technology-driven environment. The impact of student needs, ethical considerations, and the 24/7 accessibility facilitated by technology on counselors' work-life dynamics will be thoroughly explored. Additionally, the presentation will discuss potential strategies for achieving a more harmonious work-life integration without compromising the quality of work. Practical insights, coping mechanisms, and self-care practices will be shared to empower counselors to navigate the challenges of the modern professional landscape. By fostering a thoughtful discussion on the topic, this presentation aims to provide valuable perspectives and tools for counselors striving to find equilibrium in their personal and professional lives. Presenter: Alina Haitz, Recruiting Manager, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island
Workshop 8. Personable but Not Personal: How to Write an Impactful Personal Statement Personal statements are one of the more difficult pieces to write. Most often, we question what to write and how to write about a topic we “should” know more about ourselves. In this workshop, participants will learn the fundamentals to crafting a personal statement in order to counsel students. Participants will also leave with a draft that may be reused for a variety of personal statement prompts and as an example to share with students. Presenters: Alicia Brienza, Director of the Writing Center, and Rita Gross, Academic Counselor, Research Aligned Mentorship Program, SUNY Farmingdale State College
Exhibitors’ Showcase 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Luncheon: 12:30 – 1:30 PM
Workshop Session C: 1:45 – 2:45 PM
Workshop 9. Who Counsels the Counselor? What every counselor needs to know about staying excited, energized, and taking care of themselves and their students. This workshop acknowledges the incredibly hard work of K-12 school counselors, the emotional and physical demands of the job and how to stay positive, excited, and energized. Examples of useful and practical self-care techniques in a professional setting will be shared, along with department-wide initiatives that can help counselors manage the stress of the ever-growing list of professional responsibilities. Participants will leave with activities and examples of self-care practices. The value of professional membership will also be discussed.
Presenters: Cynthia Fitzgerald, Ed.D., Director of School Counseling, Islip School District Nicole Hall, School Counselor, Islip High School
Workshop 10. Leading with Heart – Empathetic Leadership and How to Encourage It at Your School In the dynamic landscape of contemporary leadership, the concept of empathetic leadership stands out as a transformative force that goes beyond traditional management paradigms. This session explores the profound impact of empathy in fostering inclusive, compassionate, and high-performing schools. Delving into the core principles of emotional intelligence and empathetic communication, the session emphasizes the role of authentic connection in leadership success. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the positive effects of leading with empathy, including increased student and teacher engagement, enhanced collaboration, and resilient school culture. Through real-world examples and practical strategies, this presentation aims to inspire leaders to embrace a heart-centered approach, fostering a workplace environment where empathy becomes a catalyst for innovation, trust, and sustainable success. Join us in discovering how leading with your heart can create a positive ripple effect, transforming both individual and collective achievements in the realm of leadership at your school.
Presenter: Alina Haitz, Recruiting Manager, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island
Workshop 11. Raising Awareness of Students With Disabilities and Their Transition Needs Annual review season is upon us and you have been asked to contribute to the development of the IEPs for all of your students with disabilities. The regulations and language can be overwhelming. In this workshop we will work to demystify the process. The goals are to deepen your overall understanding of your students with disabilities and to enhance your ability to address their transition needs. We will discuss the role of the school counselor in the transition and IEP development process and strengthen your skills in writing measurable post-secondary goals and transition needs.
Presenter: Audrey Nilsen, Special Education and Administration Consultant District Administrator for Pupil Personnel Services (Retired)
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